Windows Store Tops 50,000 Apps

Sometimes, the thing holding a user back from trying out a platform isn't the native operating system or the hardware — it's the apps. After all, what good is all that if you can't get the programs you need to make use of the darn thing? That's why adopting new or completely rejiggered OSes can be a pretty massive gamble.

Well, according to MetroStore Scanner's estimates, Windows 8 and RT users may be able to breathe a little easier. The U.S. Windows Store has breached the 50k mark in sheer number of active applications. Although Microsoft declined to confirm this figure, MetroStore Scanner says it found 50,380 active Windows Store apps. Just to put things in perspective, the Mac App Store has 14,000 programs.

Of course, that doesn't mean that all those software products are worthy downloads. This is purely numbers, not some indication of quality. And notably, the pace of uploads has also slowed down. This could be why Microsoft announced its "Keep the Cash" $100 incentive for developers last week — though it isn't clear whether that will lead to more quality applications or more ported-over fluff from other platforms. (Would've been nice if the promotion somehow specified quality applications only.)

Are you a Windows 8 or RT user? Do you find a decent selection in the Windows Store, or do you run into a lot of lame apps? Tell us about your impressions in the comments.